Note: Vernon L. Knaack, 88, Neenah, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 10, 2016, at Valley VNA, Neenah. He was born in Neenah, on August 20, 1927, to the late Walter and Viola (Baer) Knaack. On April 15, 1950, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Nancy Ann Parker in Neenah.

Vern attended Neenah High School then proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Vella Gulf when it was commissioned on April 9, 1945. The ship was an escort carrier with 36 planes, and Vern served as a gunner on a 40 MM Anti-Aircraft weapon protecting the ship from Japanese Kamikaze aircraft attacks in the Pacific Theater. His ship was also present during the historical formal surrender of Japan, and Vern witnessed the signing of the terms of surrender by General Douglas MacArthur and the Japanese Foreign Minister on the U.S.S. Missouri on September 2, 1945.

Upon returning home, he worked for Kimberly-Clark, retiring in 1989 after 41 years. Vern was a loyal Packers and Brewers fan as well as an avid fisherman and card player. In his earlier years he was also a passionate dart ball and ping pong player. Vern loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he could often be seen cheering them on at their different sporting events and activities. He was a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years: Nancy, and 3 siblings: Vivian Kostuch, Walter Knaack, Jr., and Shirley Sweetalla.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 18, 2016, at Kessler Funeral Home, 304 S Commercial St., Neenah, with Fr. Larry Seidl officiating. Interment will be in St. Margaret Cemetery, Neenah. Visitation will be Saturday at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Immediately following the service full military honors will be presented by active duty members of the U.S. Navy and the Neenah-Menasha Veterans Honor Team. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established to benefit glaucoma and veteran's charities.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers at Valley VNA for their wonderful care.Published in Appleton Post-Crescent from June 12 to June 15, 2016.